Who just a few months ago, Demonology for Dummies Lesson One: Don't Read Out Loud was a runner-up in the What in the Wattpad contest. The writer of that fantastic story was grimmalin, and they've now written multiple follow-ups! Read on for an inside look at this writer's thought processes and biggest inspirations :)
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What draws you to the paranormal genre?
The genre's ability to be spooky, silly, romantic, terrifying, and so much more that I personally enjoy reading, and, of course, writing!
What was the first paranormal story you read or watched, and has it inspired any of your works?
The great Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles was my first real introduction to the genre. Before that I was such a nerd about high fantasy. The first Vampire Chronicles book I read was Pandora and I was immediately in love so I read all the others.
What paranormal trope do you secretly love—even if readers roll their eyes?
Fish out of Water, a regular human encountering the paranormal is hilarious. My girl Jacqueline is decidedly sick of it all the moment she meets Caramelidict and I just can't stop giggling when I write about them because of it.
What's your process for worldbuilding in the paranormal realm? Where does logic meet lore in your work?
I love Magical Realism, but I am certainly no master at that fantastic genre. I like when magic is just... there. It exists just like oxygen or the sun and moon. I wanted Jacqueline to live in a big city where a giant weirdo like Caramelidict can walk around and maybe spook a few people who get too close, but for the most part he's ignored. He definitely doesn't belong, but a big city like New York is so full of the strange that no one notices weird stuff anymore. He just irritates people because he's just IN THE WAY!
What's the most "serious" research rabbit hole you fell into while writing?
I have fallen down the "medieval life in (insert random country)" rabbit hole far far far too many times.
Ever finished a draft and thought, "This is either genius or a disaster. I'll let the readers decide"?
I had the first few chapters of a high fantasy novel published that I eventually pulled down to rework, because while I loved the idea, I just couldn't help but think it was a total disaster. I am pondering putting it back up. I don't know!
What's your writing process like? Plotter, pantser, somewhere in between or depends on the moon phase?
I like to have an outline that I pants through. I need a general idea of what I want to do but I have to have the freedom to switch directions on a dime without completely destroying what I want to do. I also have to be in the right mood, and that mood can last for hours or days or just a few minutes. It's rather inconvenient and one big reason why I'm not a more prolific writer.
Do you believe in real-life paranormal experiences? (Tell us more if you want!)
I've had a few spooky encounters I or the people around couldn't explain. I used to live at the southern end of the Appalachian mountains and you simply can't exist there long without running into some kind of unexplained terrifying... thing.
Which supernatural creature would you most want to meet in real life – and why?
I wanted to be a mermaid as a kid. Good or evil kind, I'd like to meet them! Vampires will also always be super cool.
What's the biggest challenge when writing supernatural elements?
Trying to make it believable without leaning too serious or too absurd. I have to enjoy what I'm writing and sometimes if I feel I am taking things too serious I get bored and want to scrap it all. So I have learned to harness humor to add a bit of levity to something that might be a bit too real and scary. Real life is already, well, REAL. Writing and reading is my way to relax away from all that.
What's the vibe: creepy, romantic, mysterious, all of the above?
Yes.
What's one fun or random fact about you that might surprise readers?
I like to collect dolls and sometimes take pictures of them.
Which other Wattpad authors or books in the genre do you admire?
I have read several stories in the Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend and adore them all.
Any upcoming projects, events, or releases you want to tease?
I am working on more Jacqueline Grey stories. Also reworking that High Fantasy novel too!
Is there anything else you'd love to share with readers or fellow writers?
I have always loved writing but was far too shy and insecure to really believe in myself. But I remembered how much fun I have when I'm writing and keep holding onto that. Never forget to have fun, no matter what you're doing.
Again, be sure to check out grimmalin and their amazing work! Thank you Amelia for agreeing to be interviewed, and keep having fun writing ♥
